Atlético Madrid came into the Camp Nou knowing that as long as they didn’t lose, they’d still be in the La Liga title race.
Instead, they were undone by a trademark moment from Lionel Messi that consigned the visitors to a 1-0 defeat that leaves them trailing Barcelona by eight points. Their high-flying attack was kept at bay during their search for an equaliser.
Here’s how Atletico’s players fared in their loss.
STARTING XI
Sime Vrsaljko 6 – Held up well against Barcelona’s attack, although Andres Iniesta’s forced substitution made his life easier.
Jose Gimenez 7 – Kept Luis Suarez in check, with his pace serving to frustrate his fellow Uruguayan.
Diego Godin 7 – Won his duel with compatriot Suarez more often than not, and stood up well against Messi, too. This was a performance that didn’t deserve to be on the losing side.
Felipe Luis 7 – A solid performance at the back, and plenty of running to join Atletico’s attack as they searched for an equaliser.
Saul 6 – The young midfielder will feel he could have done more, especially early in the second half as Atleti charged forward. This was a game that served more as a learning experience than a stage for his talents.
Thomas Partey 5 – His foul that led to Messi’s game-winning free-kick was a blemish on what was otherwise an all-action display in midfield. But for all his energy, he failed to have a telling impact.
Gabi 5 – Was visibly upset when he was taken off, chucking the captain’s armband to the ground, but he knew he didn’t have the legs to keep up with Barcelona.
Koke 5 – Had little impact in midfield, and seemed to almost give up towards the end, when his side still had a chance to level the scores.
Antoine Griezmann 4 – Back down to earth after a spell of seven goals in two games. Rarely got a sniff of goal, and was wasteful on the ball.
Diego Costa 5 – He couldn’t bully or wind up the Barcelona defence, and was caught offside too often – including the one time Atletico had the ball in the net.
SUBS:
Angel Correa 6 – Looked threatening after coming on, adding another dimension to the visitors’ attack. Struggled to link up with Griezmann and Costa, however, although that was more their fault than his.
Kevin Gameiro 6 – Had the ball in the back of the net, and will feel hard done by the fact that Costa had strayed offside in setting him up. Nearly the crowning moment of his Atletico career.
Lucas 5 – The Frenchman added pace and strength to Atletico’s defence as Simeone tried to guard against the Barcelona counter, but also looked shaky at times and nearly gifted Barca a goal.
